I originally joined Skips VP poker group about 7-9 years ago as I had
read Lenny Fromms book on VP and realized that with a little knowledge
and a few good tools I at least had a fighting chance to leave Las
Vegas with some money in my pocket and have some fun while I was there.
You must understand that it wasn't that long ago that Casinos didn't
proliferate the North American landscape and LV was (and in many ways,
still is) the Mecca of gambling. I joined the group, mostly for
selfish reasons, to learn from others information that they were
willing to gather and share with me. Little did I realize that I would
receive far more than I had ever expected in return. Little did I
realize that far beyond the knowledge I gained I would also gain the
friendship and respect of many, many people who, were it not for a
common bond/interest, I would never have met in my lifetime. Whatever
money I have made; whatever knowledge I have gained; has been far
surpassed by the friends I have made. Those of you who have become my
friends know of my respect and admiration for you. One of my friends
was Elliott Shapiro.
I could make this a long story or even a book but I'll leave the
literary musings to Jean or Bob, as they are far better at it than I.
I met Elliott at my first video poker tournament at the Hard Rock. It
was free; I was as green as a cucumber at video poker; nervous as all
hell; and cocky to boot. An older gentleman sat down beside me and
waited patiently for them to tell us to start. He smiled at me and
introduced himself I smiled back and realized that I was sitting
beside a VP genius. I got lucky and finished in 2nd place but I got
luckier as Elliott and I became close friends and made arrangements to
have dinner later on that week with his dear wife Joanie.
My wife and I travel to Las Vegas at least three times a year. On each
trip, whether accompanied by our adult children or not, we would make
a point to call Joanie and Elliott in advance, and arrange to have
dinner together. Elliot, always the gentleman would insist that he
take us as he had, as he put it "more points than I can ever use in a
lifetime" Sometimes, reluctantly, Elliot would allow us to pick up the
bill. If we did, he insisted on leaving the tip. When Elliot gave you
something, whether it was a play; a dinner; or a jacket that he had
won at one of the Casinos, there were no strings attached and no
hidden agenda. What you saw is what you got. Elliott was a man who
enjoyed sharing and giving. He took great pride in his ability to
figure out what it took to beat the system and then played the system
like Louie Armstrong played the trumpet with the passion and
expertise of an outstanding musician.
On our last trip on Wednesday, we landed at 6 and as were on our way
to the Jetway, when I called him to finalize our dinner plans. It was
then I learned from Joanie that he passed away that morning. The trip
was not fun as our hearts were sad, filled with the news of his loss.
In all of the trips, dinners and meetings with Elliott I never heard
him utter a mean, derogatory or malicious comment about anyone. To the
contrary, he would heap compliments on most of his fellow VP players.
He often mentioned the integrity and high ethics of those people he
often associated with (such as Tom R) and others who I prefer not to
name. There was no "mud slinging" or insults. Even if he disagreed
with you his mind was always open to new ideas and suggestions.
Elliot had his idiosyncrasies but none of them were harmful or
affected anyone other than himself. If you talked to him for any
length of time he would inevitably pull out his gambling log. The log
consisted of scrap pieces of paper held together with a staple or two
rings of metal. Elliott abhorred waste. He could tell you in a heart
beat the EV of any play (progressive or not) and would comment on the
cashback/comps/perks or idiosyncrasies of any VP play in Las Vegas (or
North America). He once called us to tell us he and Joanie had been to
AC to take advantage of a play there and we should look into it since
we lived a lot closer to AC than he did!
To me Elliott was more than just a friend. You never saw him without
his faithful and adoring sidekick Joanie. She was his rock and
redeemer. They were a "perfect pair" (much better than a Royal Flush.
When my wife and I saw the two of them we always felt we were looking
into the future. We hoped that in years to come, we would have the
same special relationship that they shared.
Despite all of his medical trials and tribulations, Elliott was a
modest, humble and uncomplaining man. He would never complain or
comment about his ailments unless asked. Even then, he would not
elaborate unless prodded.
Always humble; always giving; always caring; always smiling; always
smarter than the sharpest razor; this is how I will remember Elliott.
My only regret is that I never took the opportunity to thank him for
allowing us to get to know him. And to all my VP friends, Those of you
who have been kind enough to "break bread" with me; share tips and
laughs with me; but most of all share your friendship with me thank
you. I hope you are all a little richer. I know I am.
And for Elliott, I know he is in heaven playing VP and beating the
odds. God willing, when I die, I know he'll be waiting at the Pearly
Gates for me, (if I'm fortunate enough to go up there), with a smile
on his face, his pad in hand ready to lead me the best play.
God bless you Elliott, we will all miss you.
Jerry